Sensex at 3-week high, up 106 pts

Mumbai: The BSE benchmark Sensex today rose to 3-week high by adding 106 points, up four sessions in a row, led by financials ahead of RBI monetary policy and the Union Budget amid a firm trend in global markets. Sensex, which had gained 668 points in the previous three sessions, gained another 105.68 points, or 0.59 per cent, to 17,919.30, a level last seen on February 24.

Intra-day, it regained the 18,000 mark as the Rail Budget left freight rates untouched and marginally hiked passenger fares. Investors ignored rise in inflation to 6.95 per cent in February from 6.55 per cent in January, dimming changes of RBI cutting lending rates, experts said. The 30-scrip National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose 34.40 points, or 0.63 per cent to 5,463.90, after reaching more near to 5,500 level.

Market sentiment bolsetered by firm global markets, with US key index closing at highest level since December 31, 2007 on upbeat economic data. However, in the broader market, shares of railway-related companies like Kalindi Rail, Texmaco, Titagarh Wagon, and Kernex Microsystems declined as rail budgetary proposal had little to cheer them.